GB2394487A

GB2394487A - Fence bracket

Info

Publication number: GB2394487A
Application number: GB0403004A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Richard Perry
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-08-08
Filing date: 2004-02-10
Publication date: 2004-04-28
Anticipated expiration: 2024-02-10
Also published as: GB0318635D0; GB0403004D0; GB2401616A; GB2394487B; GB2390104B; GB0417407D0; GB2390104A; GB2401616B

Abstract

A bracket for joining two fence panels or pieces of timber comprises a main plate 10 which overlies the top of both pieces, and depending sides which may be triangular and apertured as shown and which embrace the two pieces: holes or perforations 14, 9, may be provided for screws, nails or the like. The bracket may have tabs orthogonal to any part of the triangular sides (Fig 8, not shown) or a central dividing plate (Fig 5A, not shown), which is abutted by ends of the pieces being joined so that they do not touch each other. The bracket permits joining offence panels to each other without any intervening post.

Description

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-1 RMT BRACKET

This invention relates to an RMT bracket.

A bracket is a structure or formation that generally comprises a single member or multiple members connected to complete one structure. Brackets are generally used to join or attach objects together for example two pieces of timber and to bind, restrain, fix, mount hold other objects in place for example shelving or framework.

Brackets are used in all markets - commercial, industrial and domestic and are used as either temporary or permanent applications. Some brackets are multipurpose and are not restricted to a particular application.

The purpose of a bracket in a fencing application would be to secure the edges of two adjacent fence panels together or used to join the two opposite facing edges of timber railing in the case of post and rail fencing. Generally, when this type of joining is required to complete a structure there is often a third piece of timber or other material needed to support and complete the join, for example a fence post, otherwise the objects that are becoming joined, eg: the two fence panels or pieces of railing will often and easily become torn, broken, severed, detached or separated with ease.

Generally the brackets that are currently available only attach to one surface or side of the timber or panels therefore overall strength and strength of the join, engineering accuracy and durability of the structure is vastly reduced.

According to the present invention there is provided an RMT bracket comprising a main body made up of one or multiple members with means for releasably securing the bracket to two adjacent panels or pieces of railing eliminating the need to use a third member such as an intermediate post or other joining support and which will also provide as much and relatively more strength, durability, longevity, engineering accuracy, stability and visually pleasing appearance as the bracket encapsulates both sides of the members it is joining and not just one side. Multiple brackets could be used in conjunction with one another to make up any given structure with any amount of joining required. The RMT bracket can also be slightly modified in various ways to adapt to a variety of joining applications as shown in the accompanying drawings and is not restricted to the joining of fencing materials.

A specific embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figures 1, 2, 3 & 4 show in perspective the RMT bracket from four different angles

:: tele'.e '.:e -2 Figures 5 & 5A show by way of sketches the various members that can construct the bracket Figures 6 & 6A show by of sketches the adjoining member between the two sides can be square or rectangular Figure 7 illustrates the union of the RMT bracket between two fence panels Figures 8 & 9 show by way of sketches variations of placement of the members that make up the brackets formation and slight modifications that show the adaptability of the bracket to different applications via the use of tabs and holes Figure 10 shows in perspective the use of RMT brackets within a finished fence structure Figure I I shows in perspective an example manufacturing pattern or template of the RMT bracket.

Referring to the drawings figure I figure 2 on page 1/9 and figure 3 and figure 4 on page 2/9 the bracket comprises a main body 10, at least one hole 14 or a provision for at least one hole by means of a perforated area 9, not restricted to a circular shape or size for the purpose of fixing/releasably securing the bracket by means of a screw 22, nail or other means not mentioned. Figure 5 on page 3/9 shows the bracket may also have a tab 15 or a number of tabs extending from the main body unrestricted to size, shape or positioning, where any tab 15 may have a hole or a number of holes 14 or provision for a hole by means of a perforated area 9. Any tabs 15 or holes 14 or perforated areas 9 shown in any of the drawings that are in different positions merely demonstrates the brackets adaptability and multiple combinations of placement of the came eg: figure 8 on page 6/9.

Referring to the drawings figure 5 and figure 5A on page 3/9 and figures 6 & 6A on page 4/9 and figure 11 on page 9/9 the bracket can be made from a single member of two triangles joined by a rectangular or square middle member or a series.of members to form one bracket. An adaption of the brackets construction figure 5A on page 3/9 shows that the bracket can be divided across its width or length by a member known as a dividing plate 41 that could incorporate a hole 14 or a tab 15 or a perforated area 9. The dividing plate's 41 purpose is to strengthen the join between the two objects becoming joined and can also form a barrier and expansion gap should the two objects require a closeness with its neighbour without touching its neighbour.

The drawing figure 7 on page 5/9 demonstrates how the bracket 10 is used for the purpose of adjoining two fence panels 20 & 21 by the means of a nail, screw 22 or other means not mentioned. The brackets body 10 simply sits down over, releasably secures and houses the two panels. The bracket may be used upside down in which case the bracket is turned upside down and houses the members from below.

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-3 The drawing figure 8 on page 6/9 demonstrates different positioning of holes 14 and tabs 15 and perforated areas 9. The drawing figure 9 on page 7/9 shows the bracket housing one piece of railing 18 and shows the bracket has been modified where the tip of each triangular side 17 has been perforated 16 and folded inwards to enable the bracket to encapsulate every side of the railing 18 therefore strengthening the join, severely reducing play and excessive movements of the railing housed by the bracket.

The drawing figure 1 O. on page 8/9 shows use of the bracket in a completed fence structure. Notice the intermediate posts shown by a broken line 3 have been eliminated from the structure and only the two end posts 5 are present. The drawing figure 11 on page 9/9 shows an example of a manufacturing template which is not restricted to dimensions, colour, materials, weights or manufacturing methods. The templates engineering accuracy can vary depending on method of manufacture.

Claims

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10f2 I. A bracket for securing two adjacent fence panels or pieces of timber together, the bracket being adapted to embrace both sides or surfaces and comprising a main body having a rectangular or square portion adapted in use to lie along the top of the two panels or pieces of timber, and two contiguous triangular portions adapted in use to lie one each side of the panels or pieces of timber and flange means adapted in use to lie against and be attached to either a third member or adjusted to attach where needed in any given application.
2. A bracket as claimed in claim I where means for fixing / releasably securing the bracket by a nail, screw, bolt or other means is provided in the form of at least one hole or a series of holes made on or around the main body and not restricted to any particular place, size or position on or around the main body.
3. A bracket as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 where means for fixing/ releasably securing the bracket is provided by a perforated area that can be punctured to provide access for a nail, screw, bolt or other means and not restricted to size, shape or positioning on or around the main body.
4. A bracket as claimed in claim 1 and claim 2 and claim 3 where means for fixing / releasably securing the bracket is provided by a tab or a number of tabs extending from the main body not restricted to size, shape or positioning on or around the main body.
5. A bracket as claimed in claim 4 where a tab has at least one hole, a series of holes or a perforated area or series of perforated areas not restricted to size, shape or positioning for the means of a nail, screw or other means to fix / releasably secure the bracket.
6/ A modification ofthe bracket as claimed in any preceding claim where the inner of the main body may be divided by an alternative member known as a dividing plate that can incorporate a hole or perforated area for the purpose of allowing the two surfaces that are becoming joined to become close in their proximity of one another without touching each others surfaces, also providing additional strength to the join.

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À -5 CLAIMS

20f2
7. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim where either triangular side or both triangular sides has its inner or apertures cut out to allow the member to be seen through from either side not restricted to angle of viewing.
8. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim that is made from metal, plastics materials, wood or a combination or compound of these materials.
9. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim where the triangular shape of the main body eliminates the need to use an intermediate post or additional member to join the two panels anywhere along the fence structure as compared to the a bracket that needs to be used at spaced intervals in conjunction with a post.
10. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim where the triangular shape of the sides allow the bracket to be attached to the objects it is joining on both surfaces parallel to one another for the access of a screw, nail, or other means severely reducing play between the two panels or pieces of timber. The tips of each triangular side may be folded inwards to enable the bracket to attach to all faces - ofthe railing.
1 l. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim where if the bracket is manufactured with stronger materials of an increased thickness of materials for example metal the bracket may also be used to join timber to concrete and is not restricted to joining timber to timber.
12. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim where at least one bracket is used in and to complete an erected fence structure with generally more than one bracket used at the same time.
13. A bracket as claimed in any preceding claim substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.